How Much Electricity Does a 3D Printer Use?

Electricity and Natural Gas Energy Saving

This article is your complete guide to answering the question of how much electricity a 3D printer will use. On average, a desktop 3D printer typically consumes between 50 to 300 watts of power per hour during operation.  Below, we’re going to dive into 3D printer’s energy usage, associated costs, and strategies for enhancing energy efficiency.

So, if you want to learn more about your 3D printer power consumption, keep reading!

Here at The Energy Professor, we want to give you the information you need to not only save money on your energy bill but to also become more energy efficient. We hope you find this post helpful! And makes it easier for you to know more about 3D printer power consumption. Be sure also to check out our one-of-a-kind energy savings calculator!

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Contents hide
1 How Much Electricity Does a 3D Printer Use?
2 What Would a 3D Printer Electricity Cost?
3 3D Printing Electricity Cost Savings Tips
4 3D Printer Electricity Usage FAQ
5 Do you Need Cheaper Electricity?

How Much Electricity Does a 3D Printer Use?

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A typical desktop 3D printer uses between 50 to 300 watts of power per hour, while larger industrial models may exceed 1,000 watts per hour. For instance, a desktop 3D printer with a 150-watt power consumption, if operated for 4 hours daily over a 5-day week, would use 2,400 watt-hours (or 2.4 kWh) weekly. This usage translates to about 9.6 kWh monthly and approximately 115.2 kWh annually, offering a practical perspective on the energy demands of 3D printing technology.

At-home 3D printers, particularly larger models, can consume up to 300 watts per hour! These printers gained popularity for their ability to create three-dimensional objects from materials like plastic or metal. The energy-intensive process of heating materials to a melting point to form objects requires substantial power! So it’s no wonder that those who own 3D printers wonder what the printer’s wattage is. But wattage can vary based on the printer type, object size and complexity, material used, and chosen print settings.

Energy Professor Tidbit: For a printer with a 300×300 heated bed and a hot end at 210°C, the usage over six months can be as low as $2.64 in areas with low electricity rates ($0.12 per kWh) or up to $9.02 in places with higher rates ($0.41 per kWh)

Popular 3D Printer’s Power Consumption

  • Ender 3 power consumption – 125 Watts, or 0.125kWh
  • Ender 3 PRO power consumption – 360 Watts
  • Flashforge Adventurer 3 power consumption – 150 Watts

We own the Ender 3 and noticed that the Ender 3 power draw is a lot lower than expected and does not add much to our monthly electricity bill.

Related Post: What Uses the Most Electricity in a Home? 

What Would a 3D Printer Electricity Cost?

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Printing costs for a year are often reported to be around $10-$14, depending on the printer and usage habits. For example, a printer without a heated bed might use around 34 watts, translating to 29.4 hours of printing per kilowatt-hour.
When it comes to 3D printing energy costs, they are typically minimal and usually not a major factor in choosing a printer. Assuming an average electricity rate of $0.12 per kWh, the yearly energy cost for using a 3D printer, based on the earlier example, would be around $13.82 (115.2 kWh x $0.12/kWh). This cost might vary with different local energy rates. For a 10-hour print job, the cost is remarkably low, roughly 9 cents.
3D printers use the most power during the heating phase. Once they reach the desired temperature, the power usage drops significantly. This means the cost to operate them is relatively low over time.
  • Impact of Heated Beds: Printers with heated beds consume more power. For instance, a HyperCube printer with a 200x200mm bed uses up to 210 watts with the heated bed and only 50-80 watts without it.

Related Post: How to Calculate Electricity Bill 

3D Printing Electricity Cost Savings Tips

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To optimize the energy usage of your 3D printer and minimize energy costs, here are some tips:

  1. Energy Tracking Tools: Using smart plugs or power meters can help track the electricity usage of 3D printers. This can provide precise data on energy consumption, which is generally low.
  2. Choose an energy-efficient 3D printer: Look for printers that are certified by organizations such as ENERGY STAR, which indicates that they meet strict energy efficiency standards.
  3. Optimize print settings: Adjust print settings such as layer thickness, print speed, and temperature to minimize energy usage while still achieving desired print quality.
  4. Limit idle time: Turn off the printer when not in use, as some printers may continue to consume energy even when idle.
  5. Use energy-saving features: Some 3D printers come with energy-saving features such as sleep mode or auto-shutdown, which can help reduce energy consumption during periods of inactivity.
  6. Choose eco-friendly materials: Consider using eco-friendly materials that require lower printing temperatures, as this can help reduce energy consumption.

If you are wondering what exactly is using the most power while using a 3D printer it is because the lower the layer thickness of the material, the longer a print will take therefore leading to a higher power consumption overall. If you can speed up your prints you’ll be using less power overall.

Related Post: How Many Watts Does a TV Use? 

3D Printer Electricity Usage FAQ

Q: How much power does a 3D printer use?

A: Typical 3D printers consume minimal electricity, averaging between 50 to 150 Watts during the printing process, which is equivalent to the energy used by just one or two incandescent light bulbs.

Do you Need Cheaper Electricity?

If you’ve taken the time to understand the information on your bill and discovered you’re paying more than you’d like for your electricity, have you looked around for a cheaper deal? The Energy Professor has a wealth of information on saving on your utilities, including details of top deals that could significantly reduce your monthly or quarterly electricity bills.

We hope you found this article helpful! If you are looking for ways to increase energy efficiency and sustainability in your home be sure to look at the latest renewable energy options in your area. The Energy Professor helps residential and small business owners find qualified energy suppliers in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, Ohio, Maryland, Illinois, and Massachusetts

Kurt Gillman

Kurt Gillman is a seasoned professional in the energy industry, with over 4 years of experience in writing about sustainable solutions for The Energy Professor clients to help them save money. He has lived in various parts of the United States, including Wisconsin, New York City, and Southern California, which has given him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities presented by different environments and energy needs. Throughout his career, Kurt has been committed to creating helpful energy solution guides that help clients save money while also benefiting the planet. He has a deep passion for understanding of the latest technologies and trends in the renewable energy sector, and he uses his experience to guide readers in making informed decisions about their energy future. As a writer for The Energy Professor, Kurt is proud to be part of a team that is dedicated to creating a sustainable future for all. He understands that every reader has unique needs and goals, and he works closely with his team to develop customized solutions that meet their specific requirements and save them money.